One business leaves Sterling, another one about to come

Witness the apparent closure of one Sterling business, and the imminent arrival of another to the city.

While driving around downtown Thursday looking at gasoline prices for a story, I noticed Twin City Cafe, 23 E. Third St., apprears to be permanently closed.

The restaurant, which used to be open daily, has a "for rent" sign in a window.

I have called the phone number on the sign four times, but have not heard back yet.

Another sign reads, "Closed. Please call again."

I did call again Monday and the cafe was still closed.

The downtown eatery cut its weekend hours in February citing "very slow" business and a need for more parking.

The building is owned by Ubaldo-Zaca Cid, Santa O. Cid, and Maria Cid, according to the Whiteside County Assessor's office.

Too bad there's another vacant retail space, but, on another, more positive note: The city might soon fill up one of its other commercial spaces.

Li Arellano, owner of the Jimmy John's restaurant in Dixon, tells me he is close to sealing a deal on a Sterling building for his expansion to the Twin Cities. Engineers are tweaking his site plan so he can get city approval, he said.